Do you feel like you have the most jam-packed garage in the world? If you are already feeling defeated before you have even begun digging in, you are most likely not alone. While it is easy for this catch-all space to become an out of control mess, it is essential to not get overwhelmed. Smart storage options and taking small steps is the key to gaining control of this area. With just a little patience, you will have the garage organized in no time.

Have Realistic Expectations

When working with such a chaotic space, you should not expect to clear it out in one go. Knowing that the project will take some time will take a lot of pressure off you. Instead, you will want to break things down in manageable tasks. Try dedicating each section of the garage to one specific day, and you will feel like you conquered something.

What You’re Working With

Really take a good look around and see just what you are working with and make a mental note of what you see. Notice any big and bulky items that you want to pitch? If so, you will need to research places where you can donate or dispose of specific items. Also, if you plan on selling items, you will want to take pictures and research various selling outlets.

Schedule a Day to Tackle The Mess

If your garage is really full, you will likely need to set aside multiple days or a couple weekends out of the month to tackle the mess. You will be surprised at just how much you can get done in the first couple of days. Once you have made a dent, you will see how fast you can declutter. Enlist reliable people to help or even make it a family project.

Invest in a Storage System

Once you have sorted through everything in the garage, be sure to devise a storage strategy. Storage cabinets and wall mounted racks are some storage options that will make storing items easily accessible. Transfer items that you have been saving in acardboard box into your new storage system. Storage bins are ideal for storing a mix of items such as toys, holiday lights, textiles.

We hope you find these tips and tricks helpful. For more great advice, please visit our blog hub. Thanks for reading!

Tile floors are beautiful, durable and they can add exceptional style to your home, but how can something so attractive be potentially dangerous? Unfortunately, tile flooring accounts for many injuries due to slips and falls in homes across the world. If you are having trouble keeping your tile floors slip-free, we are here to help! Plus, you do not have to keep your tile floors covered with rugs to keep the floors safe. Let’s take a look!

Why Do Tile Floors Become Slippery?

There are several reasons why your floors may become slippery. Perhaps the biggest cause of slippery tiles is the failure to clean the surface properly. Slip and fall hazards occur when tile surfaces are not adequately cleaned or are not cleaned frequently. Additional causes include:

When the appropriate chemicals and tools are not used, it can damage the finish of the floor which makes it slippery.

Applying too many or not enough coats of finish to the floor

Using an oily or overused mop on the floor

How to Make Tile Floors Less Slippery

If your tile floors have become slippery, it is time to clean them thoroughly. Throw away any old or soiled dust mops, or you can rent a steam cleaner to remove the oils or product buildup from the tiles. When cleaning the floor, you should use oil-free products along with a grease-fighting cleaner such as dish detergent. You can use a clean sponge or mop to rinse the floors.

Applying an anti-slip product to your floors can also aid in making the surface less slippery. Many anti-slip products come in powder form and are designed to break down the oil and fats so that it can increase traction.Use an acid-based product, or you can stick to hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a less expensive alternative which works by drying out the floor while sanitizing and deodorizing.

When using acid-based products to dry up the floors, you should allow it to soak into the tile so that it is effective. Do not leave the product on the tiles for more than fifteen minutes to avoid eroding the material. In extreme cases, a slippery floor may need to be completely stripped and refinished.

As always, we recommend checking with your flooring manufacturer before proceeding with any cleaning. Each flooring can be a little different in its needs and usage; therefore, you want to be sure that you use the correct products on your floors.

Vinylhas become a popular flooring choice among homeowners. It provides them with a stylish and versatile flooring option that meets their budget. If you are one of the many homeowners installing vinyl in your home, we have three tips to help you keep your floors clean and in pristine shape. Let’s take a look!

Tips for Cleaning Your Vinyl Floors:

1. Regular Cleaning.

You will want to sweep or vacuum your vinyl floors routinely. Just be sure not to use your vacuum’s beater bar to avoid damaging your floors. Also, you should occasionally wash your floors with the proper solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

2. Restore The Shine.

If you have a low gloss finish or high gloss finish on your vinyl floors, you can protect and restore the shine of your floors with the proper cleaning solution. For the best recommendation, go on the manufacturer’s website and see their product referral.

3. Protecting Your Floors.

To keep your floors looking beautiful longer, we recommend following these four protective tips:

Use floor protectors underneath your furniture. This will help reduce the effects caused by indentation and help reduce the cause of potential scratches and nicks.

Place floor mats at the entrances and exits of your home to catch dirt and debris at the source.

Put an area rug inside of your high-traffic rooms to help cut back on daily wear and tear. Experts recommend purchasing a non-staining polypropylene rug, colorfast woven rug, or vinyl-back rug. They discourage using rugs that could potentially discolor your floors like rubber-backed and latex-backed.

Cleaning your floors regularly can be one of the best ways to keep them looking new longer. Be sure to follow your vinyl manufacturer’s recommendations on products to avoid damaging your new floors.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your floors, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can call or visit us for more information. We hope you found this helpful and be sure to check back weekly for more updates and posts.

Are you looking for the Pinterest-perfect way to transform your home this spring? With our top ten tips, you can instantly change the way your home looks without spending loads of cash and here is how!

Creative Ways to Add Style to Your Home:

1. A Metallic Touch.

Metals are a fantastic decor piece that adds detail and finishes an entire room. The best part about incorporating metals is that you do not have to choose just one. Recently, interior designers have begun encouraging homeowners to mix metals in their room’s design. We love the outcome so much that we insist you try it in your own home!

2. Pastels, Please.

Pastels have begun to rule the design game, especially during the warmer months. They blend well with neutrals and create a refreshing, youthful vibe in any room.

3. Reclaimed Wood.

If you are thinking of creating a DIY headboard or wall, you must try reclaimed wood. Recently, reclaimed wood has been all the rage because of its rustic and authentic look. If you have the chance, be sure to incorporate a few reclaimed wood pieces into your home’s design.

4. Mason Jar Storage.

You may be wondering, are mason jars still a thing? The answer: most definitely! Mason jars are incredibly chic and provide a wonderful amount of storage for small items. You can incorporate them into your kitchen for a decorative storage display.

5. Chalked Up.

Chalkboard walls were an early 2000’s trend, but they have come back around for a good reason. They allow the homeowner to express their creativity. If drawing is a stress reliever for you, you may want to consider adding a chalkboard wall in your home. It can even be an excellent idea for parents that need a distraction for their children.

6. Tray Chic.

Trays are the perfect decor piece that is as functional as it is stylish. Trays can help organize a countertop and create the perfect collection of items. They work well in bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens! When life feels a little messy, try organizing it with a chic tray.

7. So Retro.

Antique shops are the perfect place to find retro items to use throughout your home. You can find a wide selection of timeless pieces that are one-of-a-kind.

8. Color Me New.

One of the best ways to recreate your space on a budget is changing up the paint color. Whether it is your walls or furniture, the color of your paint can completely transform the look of a room. If you are looking for a fresh start, begin exploring colors that you have never used before and try working them into your design. You may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

9. Embrace Textures.

Textures are a great way to create contrast in a space. You can add textures through materials or fabrics. We recommend trying to add at least one textured material (i.e. brick, wood, stone) and one textured fabric to each room.

10. Add Drama.

A little bit of drama never hurt anyone, right? That is what your lighting is saying at least. Try adding drama and depth to your space with an incredible light fixture. You want to find something that lights up the space effectively but also is stunning.

Are your floors out-dated? Let us help you revamp your home with brand new flooring. Stop in today or visit our online showroom to view our selection.

Decorating the exterior of your home for the holidays is a creative challenge that can be exciting, especially if you live in a neighborhood that embraces outdoor holiday decorations. Devising a plan for your outdoor lighting does not have to be complicated. For maximum curb appeal, consider installing lights that place emphasis on your home’s best features. This will no doubt be an attention grabber. To help you highlight your home’s best features, we created a list of some light design ideas you could consider implementing:

Architectural Features:

When decking your home’s exterior with Christmas lights, it is always best to start at the front of the house and work your way towards the sides. You really want to do your best work at the center because it will be the first thing everyone sees. If you have distinctive architectural features, be sure to highlight them with lighting. Perhaps, you have a chimney, a large oak door, arches and other types of rooftop details. The front door should be the focal point, so feel free to go all out in this area. Also, balance is key; try to tie in the upper level with the lower level for a layer lighting look.

Festive Colors:

Many favor an all white lighting color scheme but colors are becoming increasingly trendy. Red, white, and green are popular, but you do not have to stick to these colors alone. You can play with a combination of hues, or you can stick to just one color throughout the entire design.

Light up The Landscape:

Your lighting design does not have to stop at the house. You can also extend it to the landscape or the front lawn. Try wrapping a canopy of lights around the shrubs and tree branches. Illuminate the walkways and borders with additional lighting. When done correctly, you can even highlight your yard decorations such as water fountain or sculpture.

Decorative Accessories:

You can further enhance your holiday lighting scheme with decorations. Be creative with the decorative enhancements you choose to put on display. Populate the yard with Christmas theme characters such as reindeers and Santa Claus. Use garlands, wreaths, lampposts and other seasonal decorations to add a festive flair to the outdoors.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and cheer. Thanks for reading!

Whether you have moved into a new place, cleared out a spare room, or had a child move out, you are left with an empty room. What are you going to do with that extra space? Any ideas? If not, we have six easy suggestions for ways you can utilize that spare bedroom of yours. Let’s take a look!

Six Ways to Use Your Spare Room:

Guest Bedroom. You could keep the bedroom doing what it does best, being a bedroom. This way you always have a place for friends and family to stay! Guest Bedrooms are typically easy to maintain, but may not get a whole lot of use.

Movie & Game Room. Need a break from the everyday norms? Create a movie and game room for you and your family members to enjoy! Having a movie/game room can be an exciting hobby. You can find new movies and games to buy and always be working on ways to improve it. Just do not forget about the recliner chairs!

(Wo)ManCave. Whether it is for you or your spouse, a special getaway zone could be just what you need in your spare bedroom. You can equip it with a minibar, popcorn machine, wine cooler, and recliner chairs to capture the full effect. Make this room everything that you wish your living room could be but better!

Office. A home office is always a good idea! It encourages maximum workflow and productivity. You can sort through your bills, make online purchases and organize all of your paperwork in your home office. All you will need is a desk and a computer to transform your space room into a home office!

Gym. We always say “this year, I am going to get in shape.” Inspire yourself to workout more often by making your spare room, a gym. It is important to note that heavyweight machines should not be put on second-floor levels; therefore, you may want to stick to a couple of dumbbells and some yoga mats.

Playroom. Do not forget about the littles and their playtime! The spare bedroom can be the perfect place for a playgroup. Add a couple of puzzles, games and books and the bedroom is instantly a kid’s zone.

The best part is that any of these ideas can be combined! You could make half the room a guest bedroom and the other half an office. Combine to add more uses to the space and save room in other parts of your home.

If you are here to learn more about flooring, you came to the right place. To help buyers become more aware of the products within our market, we have created a quick and easy guide. This guide covers the basic types of flooring that consumers are eagerly buying. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading!

Popular Types of Flooring:

Hardwood.

One of the most classic and timeless choices for homeowners is hardwood floors. Their natural beauty and classic look create for a stunning home. Hardwood can be a breathtaking addition to any home, and it is offered in a wide selection of sizes, styles, and colors to meet your style preferences.

Best Rooms for Hardwood: Living Room, Dining Room, and/or Bedroom(s).

Carpet.

The other most traditional flooring option is carpet. Carpet adds instant coziness and texture to any space. Carpet can also be an excellent choice for families because of its add plushness and added protection.

Best Rooms for Carpet: Family Room and/or Bedroom(s).

Laminate.

Laminate takes on the look of popular flooring finishes like stone, wood, tile, and even concrete. Laminate flooring can be installed over top of your existing floors without the need to use nails/glue.

Best Rooms for Laminate: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Ceramic Tile.

Ceramic tile can be one of the most personalized choices for homeowners. From your kitchen backsplash to bathroom floors, ceramic tile can be a beautiful addition in your space. Plus, it comes in an array of colors, shapes, sizes, and even textures for your personal preferences.

Best Rooms for Ceramic Tile: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Natural Stone.

Natural stone withstands moisture and creates a stunning finish inside of any room. With its polished look, you can create a luxurious space in no time. Plus, stone can be used outside; making it the perfect option for outdoor patios.

Best Rooms for Stone: Kitchens, Bathroom and/or Outdoors.

Vinyl.

Vinyl can be an extraordinary flooring option for homeowners who want a resilient and versatile flooring option. Vinyl flooring has exceptionally low-maintenance and high durability for homeowners who need a little wiggle room in their flooring. With its gorgeous array of choices, you can complete the look of your dreams for less.

Best Rooms for Vinyl: Kitchen and/or Bathroom.

Are you interested in learning more about a particular product? We would love to help you. Contact ustoday or visit one of our locations to learn more. Thanks for reading!

The lighting in your house can affect various aspects of your home. The color of your walls can be dramatically impacted by a simple change in your light fixtures. You may even notice the impact lighting has on your furniture or even your flooring.

The way you style and arrange the lighting in your space should ultimately improve the mood of your space. Careful adjustments to your lights can potentially make a tremendous impact on the rooms in your home. To help you adjust your home’s lighting, we have three tips.

Tip #1: Use Ambient Lighting in Your Darker Spaces.

Ambient lighting is where the lighting bounces off of the ceiling to create a brighter and more open room. To master ambient lighting, you can line a track of lighting on top of your fireplace mantel or bookshelf. You want to place the lighting millwork somewhere that the object does not meet your ceiling (i.e. a mantel or bookshelf).

Another option is to paint your walls with a light, soft color. If you choose this route, you will use floor lamps or wall-mounted lights to complete the ambient lighting effect.

Tip #2: The 30-inch Rule.

Chandeliers can be a breath-taking light fixture that you can include in your dining room or front foyer. But with a love of chandeliers, needs to come with a knowledge of chandeliers. If you plan on using a chandelier in your dining room, you need to allow 30 inches between the table and the bottom of the light fixture. The “30-inch rule” will ensure that you can always see your family while at the dinner table. Plus, it gives you room to place a vase or other decor pieces in the center of the table. Once you have the height down, be sure to include a dimmer switch for your chandelier. The switch will allow you to have the maximum amount of control for each special occasion.

Tip #3: Better in Twos.

It is relatively important to master the look of your foyer. It is the first thing guests will see when entering your home; therefore, you want the area to be well-lit. While deciding on the light fixtures for your foyer, remember that lighting is better in two’s. Place two identical light fixtures on either side of a dresser or table. On top of the table, you can place a mirror to reflect the lighting. This will spread your lighting throughout the room and open the area up to your guests.

We believe that great lighting can improve the look of your already amazing flooring from Carpets N More and who does want that? For more tips and tricks for the home, be sure to check out our other blog posts!

Sometimes we do not choose the small room life, but the small room life chooses us. Whether you have moved into an older home or you recently downsized, you are faced with the struggles of owning a small room. Small rooms are an annoyance if anything. They provide limited storage, use, and even mobility. While designing your small room, you have become downright frustrated. Decorating a tiny space can be difficult and timely. To help decrease your frustration, we have created six tips for you to use while designing. These tips will help you embrace your small space and ultimately create the room of your dreams. Let’s take a look!

Six Ways to Maximize The Space in a Small Room:

Tip #1: Focus Attention.
In small rooms, we want to draw attention to a focal point rather than the size of the room. In order to refocus the attention, we need to decide what part of the room will be our focal point. What part of your room do you want to stand out the most? For instance, in bedrooms, the focal point of the room typically becomes the bed. Depending on what room you are working with, you will want to decide where you want your focal point to be. Once you have chosen, you want to make this part the most elaborate, well-thought-out portion of the entire room. Spend time designing this section of the room to the best of your ability. Read blogs and do vast research before you begin buying. If you follow this simple tip, you can instantly redirect focus from your room’s size to the focal point’s design.

Tip #2: Less is More.
In tiny spaces, less is always more. While finding decor and furniture, keep in mind that the less you buy, the more room will you have. Try to downsize on the amount of furniture you have, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Tip #3: Keep Storage Options Open.
While searching for furniture, keep in mind that storage will be your best friend. While the room may be limited on built-in storage, you can compensate with storage-friendly furnishings. Try to find dual-purpose furniture that can give you more space and more use.

Tip #4: Embrace It.
You will not be able to change the size of your room without extreme renovations; therefore, your best bet is to embrace it. Embrace your small space by working hard to improve its design and function. Every homeowner will come across a small room in their life, and it is how you deal with it that will determine the outcome.

Tip #5: Shine Bright.
Natural lighting is the key to success in tiny spaces. Open up your curtains and buy sheer drapery to help the light flow throughout your room.

Tip #6: Rise Up.
Your room may feel small at the moment, but purchasing long curtains can transform your room’s dimensions. You want your curtains to measure two inches above your window and let the curtains reach to the floor. This simple trick can instantly change your room!

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks. Let us know what you think in the comment section! We look forward to hearing your feedback.

Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful and elegant flooring options for a home. They create a classic landscape with their rich color and smooth texture. But you may ask yourself, what do you pair with hardwood floors? We are here to help you answer that question. Let’s take a look!

What to Pair with Your Hardwood Floors:

Plush Rugs.
Add instant comfort and coziness to your floors with a plush rug. The rug can add a layer of warmth that hardwood floors do not have. Plus, it can help tie together the space. Be sure to have some of your furniture sit on top of the rug to pull together the room’s look.

Consistency.
We recommend providing a consistent flow of your hardwood from one room to the next. You want to try and avoid any awkward breaks/pauses in the flooring.

Mix to Match.
Initially, it was frowned upon to mix and match wood colors. But with designing, there are no official rules. Recently, homeowners have begun to mix and match their wood finishes, and we are obsessed with the outcome. This trendy take on wood furnishings can make any room feel rustic.

Contrast.
If you choose dark hardwood floors, you may want to decorate with light tones to contrast the harsh floors. This tip can be used vice versa. If you have light floors, you want to contrast them with darker decor and furnishings.

Bright Lights.
A great way to open up a space is to have excellent lighting. By adding great lighting into a space with hardwood floors, you can showcase the beauty of your extraordinary floors.

Pop of Color.
If you are looking for a little bit of color, do not be afraid to add some colorful objects into your space. The dramatic hardwood floors help to balance the colorful pieces. Try subtly adding color into your space through a chair, dresser or an art piece.

Open Floor Plan.
Hardwood floors can be beautifully showcased with open floor plans. If your home has an open floor plan, try to continue the look throughout your home. Avoid bulky furnishings and let your floors do the talking.

Are you looking to add gorgeous hardwood floors in your house? With a wide selection at reasonable prices, you do not have to look any further. Let one of our expert sales staff help make your flooring dreams become a reality. Call or visit ustoday!